Bayern Munich – Arsenal: Match Preview
We outline the plans for the encounter between Bayern and Arsenal in the third round of the Champions League group stage 2026/27. In the central match of the third round, two of the main contenders for the trophy will face off. "Bayern" recalls last year’s defeat and seeks revenge. "Arsenal" aims to showcase themselves against an elite opponent.
Key Points
Bayern Munich
1. "Bayern" displayed its power in the Bundesliga
The Munich side had less-than‑ideal results in their first matches after the international break, losing points first against "Augsburg" (2:2) in the Bundesliga and then against "Viking" in the Champions League (3:3). In the game, "Bayern" seemed powerful, with initiative, creating many moments, launching 55 shots on target, but failed in execution. In xG in these matches, the Germans outperformed eight balls and scored five. The defense nullified all attacking advantages. All of this accumulated for the Vensan Kompany lads in the last Bundesliga match: they did not notice the strong "Leipzig" at home (6:1).
2. Michael Olise will not play against "Arsenal" In the treatment area are regulars: Manuel Neuer and Jamal Musiala. The goalkeeper can still recover; the coach will decide whether to start him or not. Haverbeke is out of the squad. There is a real loss for the team: Michael Olise. The Frenchman was sent off in Norway and is suspended for the home match. He will likely be replaced in the starting lineup by the young star – Lennart Karl. Additionally, Alexander Pavlovich has recovered and played in the Bundesliga; it is worth waiting for him to appear in midfield from the first minute, and Tom Bissoff will remain on the bench.
3. Bayern’s attack is unstoppable, but the defense raises doubts "Bayern" advances without defeats: seven wins and three draws. The key to the Munich side’s success is the attack; they have scored 36 goals, 3.6 on average per game. Harry Kane stands out, his statistics impress: 102 goals in 100 Bundesliga matches, 36 goals in 40 Champions League games for the Munich side. But there are doubts about the defense: they let in ten goals, 1.5 per game. Only three times the Germans did not allow. In October the team let in twice in the first minute, and with "Leipzig" – already in extra time of the match. Concentration does not reach the players, and that is important in matches against rivals such as "Arsenal". Last season "Bayern" suffered its first defeat precisely against the Londoners. That must not be forgotten.
Arsenal
1. "Arsenal" only wins in October
The Londoners, unlike the future rival, take points in a constant and methodical way in recent matches. In the Champions League, in the second half, they beat "Lille" (3:0), and in the league they defeated "Leeds" (2:1) and "Nottingham Forest" (1:0). The team does not aim to crush its opponents, keeping the score, continuing to control the ball, not giving attacking opportunities to the rivals. In the Champions League, the English after the opening matches get a maximum of six points with a 4:0 goal difference. Arteaga must not only score and win but also not let go.
2. Mikel Arteta makes timely rotation The Londoners will not be able to count on the trio of injured players: William Saliba, Piero Incape and Cristo Tolis will not help their teammates. In addition, Martin Soubimendi only recovered from an injury and is unlikely to be at 100%. It is assumed that, compared to the match against "Lille", where Mikel Arteta rested some leaders, the starting lineup will feature Martin Edgour, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz. It is not ruled out that the coach will give an opportunity to Noni Madueke, who stood out as a substitute in the EPL, or to Victor Diakerez, who is dissatisfied with his playing time this season. The "canonists" team will allow rotation of the squad without loss of quality in the game and results.
3. "Arsenal" is strong and stable, but there are nuances The Londoners are winning this season, winning ten of eleven matches. They score steadily and practically do not allow. But they also have weak points: in the last six Premier League and Champions League matches, the team did not score in the first half. With "Bayern" taking time to enter the game is an unacceptable luxury that the Germans can punish. In addition, it must not be forgotten that the "canonists" in Munich have not won for four matches, the last three lost with a total score of 2:11.
Possible line‑ups
4-2-3-1-4-2-3-1-40 Urbig19 Davis4 Ta2 Upamekana27 Lymier45 Pavlovich6 Kimmi14 Dias42 Karl34 Sabiri9 Kane1 Riya12 Timber15 Consa6 Gabriel49 Luis‑Skelly39 Gimaraín41 Rays7 Saka8 Edgour20 Madueke29 Havertz
Betting trends
Total over 3 played in five of the last six matches between the teams in the CL. Bet: TB3 – 1.91.
"Bayern" won the last three home games against "Arsenal". Bet: P1 – 2.00.
Prediction
Bayern Munich vs Arsenal 21.10.2026 23:00
Two of the main favorites of the tournament are at hand. The teams play different football. "Bayern" is used to dominating and not stopping on the field: scoring 2-3 goals, they keep attacking and scoring, which often harms the defense, but in most cases the success of the attack compensates for defensive mistakes.
"Arsenal" also likes to play with the number one, but acts more pragmatically: with the score, they do not aim to crush the rival, and, dominating the ball, defend, not giving opportunities to the opponents.
Both strategies bring victories and titles to the teams. Last season the Londoners won at home thanks to that style. But in Munich it is historically difficult for them to earn points. In addition, "Bayern" always acts aggressively at home and rarely loses points against any rival.
Now the teams have their problems: the owners – in the defense, the guests – with goals in the first half. I suppose they will exploit the rival’s weaknesses and, in the end, share points, exchanging goals.
Prediction: 1-1
